Ardith Lucille Shaffer (Manis Wittchen) Blessed Child of God, of LaPorte and formerly of Monterey, IN, passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, June 25, 2014.
She was born Sept. 17, 1932, to Lester and Ruth (Gray) Manis in Hammond, IN. Loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.
Ardith was a member of Salem Chapel and formerly United Methodist Church of Monterey. She had many diverse talents and vocations during her life: carpentry, postmaster, Mary Kay beauty consultant, artist, server, seamstress, caregiver, teaching volunteer, to name a few. Ardith held art exhibits and sales with her beautiful paintings, which benefited the homeless and hungry.
On Dec. 22, 1952, she married Robert O. Wittchen, who preceded her in death. On Jan. 10, 1981, she married Roy Shaffer, who preceded her in death June 20, 2004.
She was also preceded in death by son, Douglas Wittchen; her parents; two brothers, John Manis and Bud Manis; and two sisters, Ruth Ann Manis and Marian Mahler.
She is survived by son, David R. Wittchen, and daughter, Lynn A. (James) Boatwright, both of LaPorte; granddaughters, Holly (Randy) Fagan of Hartselle, AL, Carrie (Dan) Edlen of Valparaiso, IN, and Ashley Dobbin of Mishawaka, IN; grandson, Maxfield (Kaylena) Gulab of Wanatah, IN; great-grandsons, Douglas (Haely) Shaffer, Grant (Jennifer) Froehlke, Zane Elrick, Ezra Elrick, Drake Edlen, and Owen Edlen; great-great-grandson, Sebastian Froehlke; many nieces and nephews; and two special “boys,” Mischief and Mayhem.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 30, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 29, from 2 to 6 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.
Memorial contributions may be made by loving thy neighbor in accordance to the commandment of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Condolences may be shared with the family below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.